The Hawthorns, popular with generations of Baggies fans on match days, has been saved.

And the new owner, Steven Hayer, has pledged it will remain a pub so long as it can turn a profit and is supported by the community.

The venue in Blackheath was put into the most recent SDL Bigwood auction held at the Holte Suite, Aston Villa.

Described as “suitable for a variety of alternative uses subject to obtaining any appropriate planning permission”, it prompted suggestions that the site could be redeveloped.

Mr Hayer, who bought it prior to the auction for an undisclosed sum, said he had acquired it as an investment.

He said: “The plan is to keep it as a local pub with the community’s help.

“If it can be successful, then that is how it will remain. But obviously, it has to make money to sustain itself.

“If not, then we will have to look at alternatives.”

Mr Hayer urged West Brom fans to keep using the pub though he does not intend to run it himself.

“If there is anybody interested in taking the lease on then they are welcome to contact me,” he stated.

He can be reached on 07838 193625.

Ian Tudor, national head of SDL Commercial Auctions, said: “The Hawthorns was one of a number of pubs in the auction and we are pleased it found a buyer.

“Hopefully it can now enjoy a good future, but, as the new owner has said, everyone in the local area needs to get behind it because that is the only way pubs can survive given the economic challenges facing the sector.

“We expect to be selling a lot more former pubs throughout the year.”